Presented by New England College in Henniker, the 2016 NH Primary Student Convention – a one-stop-shop venue for students and presidential candidates - will be hosted at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester, on January 4-6, 2016. This public event will be open to students from all over the country and will provide an opportunity to be part of NH’s “first in the nation” presidential primary process.
The state’s “first in the nation” primary status is an enviable advantage when it comes to presidential politics. Every four years Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Conservatives, Moderates, Progressives, and others engaged in American government seek the state’s approval. It’s not a small group. In 2012, 44 candidates filed for the NH Presidential Primary. The NH Primary Student Convention brings everyone involved in the campaign process to one location.
“Over a three-day period students will have the chance to personally meet candidates, elected officials, senior campaign staff, and media personalities,” says Dr. Wayne Lesperance, co-director of the Convention and political science professor at New England College. “Students will hear speeches, watch candidates interview with the press, be part of round table forums, and learn about a day in the life of a campaign from campaign volunteers and political advisors. We expect students to get a lot of pictures and autographs, hand-shaking, and campaign collectables like signs, pins, and bumper stickers.”
In addition to the convention’s program of events there will also be educational exhibitor booths and table displays available for third-party vendor rental and promotion.
“As Granite Staters, we take our role as the First in the Nation primary very seriously,” saysformer United States Congressman Frank Guinta (NH-01). “As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of our primary, it’s important to applaud our state’s schools, colleges, and universities that encourage students to get involved in civic engagement. It is incumbent on all of us to be active participants in our nation’s democratic process and I commend New England College for hosting the 2016 New Hampshire Primary Student Convention.”
Since the first convention held in 2000, participating students have demonstrated measurable benefits – incorporating their experience into school projects, student council, and college essays – and have encouraged friends to attend via word-of-mouth and other social circles. “Many of our Convention participants are repeat attendees,” said co-director and New England College history professor, James Walsh. “Teachers and advisors see how great an experience the Convention is that they make it a part of their curriculum. We even have Convention alumni return to volunteer and help manage the event.”
Student attendees are just as diverse as the candidates and come from public, private, homeschool, charter, parochial, technical, liberal arts and other types of schools and colleges from all over the country. “The Convention is a truly remarkable experience,” said Sarah Feugil, a New England College graduate living in Washington, DC who attended the 2008 Convention. “I am extremely grateful that I was able to take advantage of this life changing event. The political process was always interesting to me and the direct interaction with presidential candidates, governors, senators, and key influential leaders confirmed my passion. The experience was instrumental in my undergraduate education and has played a crucial role in grooming me for my professional career.”
The 2016 New Hampshire Primary Student Convention promises to be full of great opportunities for engaged students. To get involved, visit www.NHPrimaryStudentConvention.org, email StudentConvention@nec.edu, tweet using @NHPSC and #FITN, and friend us on Facebook at New Hampshire Primary Student Convention.
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